comments from a conservative Christian perspective,
sometimes on Oregon local and state issues

with thanks to A.E. Housman

Friday, February 13, 2015

Ted Cruz Is Now Smart (and Principled)

Senator Ted Cruz

When "conservatives" in the House were calling on Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell to further change the filibuster rules that former Senator Harry Reid gutted when he was Senate majority leader, the man opposing the change was Senator Ted Cruz. NBC's Luke Russert:

Yet at the very same press conference on the very same stage, cold water was thrown on that idea by the very Republican who has used the filibuster perhaps most effectively over his time in Congress — Senator Ted Cruz of Texas. When asked by NBC News about House conservatives demands for a rule change, Cruz replied, "I think the Senate rules wisely protect the minority and they have served as the framers put it 'to allow the Senate to be the -- cooler -- the saucer that cools the hot temperatures of the moment."

"The answer, I believe, is not to change the Senate rules, the answer is for Senate Democrats not to be obstructionists," Cruz added.

The irony that Cruz, who Democrats mockingly say is the de facto leader of House Conservatives, called for restraint on changing filibuster rules was not lost on some seasoned Hill observers. One GOP aide told NBC News, "hopefully after hearing him [Cruz] they realize changing decades of Senate history six weeks into our majority is not a good idea."

Funny how having principles and being smart and knowledgeable makes one firm and wise. Senator Cruz understands the Constitution and the importance for the Founders of the Senate as a brake on a rush to legislate intemperately (Federalist No. 63, paragraph 7).

(Interestingly, back in November of 2013 Luke Russert didn't seem to think Harry Reid's change of the filibuster rules was any big thing and that Republicans probably would expand it to supreme court nominees.)

Apparently Russert has not heard of reading your stuff before it goes to print and catching duplicates. Or even changing it after it has been published.

However, I do admit to sloppy writing at times. I try to catch my duplicates before pressing the publish button, but sometimes have to go back and edit upon rereading it when it hits online print.

He could edit now. Lots of reporters do and just note that the post was edited (not saying how) at a certain time point. That he doesn't says a lot about him and his network/editors. Good writing is obviously not at a premium.